Indians find themselves in a hole, a hole they worked really hard at digging in the last two Tests. The English side looked good, but it is nearly not as good as Indians made them out to be, especially in the fourth Test, when they capitulated without the hint of a fight.

Unlike the last time India toured England, it is not two teams grappling for 'The mace'; it is two teams searching for an identity and a foothold back in the race. And much of it could depend on the first Test starting at Trent Bridge.

The playoffs promise two good things - one that Punjab will play two matches, since if it is any team audiences would love to watch this season, it is them; and two, the finals this year would be at a neutral venue - Bangalore, a fair thing to be honest.